The 2021 Dodge Barracuda is an upcoming sports coupe Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. Set to replace the Dodge Challenger, the Barracuda will compete in the same muscle car segment as the highly popular Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro. Rumored to make a comeback since 2007, it seems that the Barracuda nameplate will finally return for the 2021 model year. However, since the original Plymouth brand is no longer around, the Barracuda badge will come back on a Dodge. Details as still slim as of March 2020, but we put together a speculative review based on everything we know so far. Check it out below.

Exterior

The actual design of the Barracuda is still a mystery, but renderings have been circulating on the Interwebz for years now. And they all seem to point into the same direction. As you will notice in our very own rendering of the coupe, the modern Barracuda will resemble the original car. This means that much like the current Challenger, the upcoming muscle car will boasts a neo-retro design that will pay tribute to the original Plymouth Barracuda, which is one of the most iconic American car ever built.

Will the 2021 Dodge Barracuda look like the Plymouth Cuda?

But which generation of the original Barracuda are we talking about here, because the cars from 1964 to 1969 looked radically different than the ones from 1970 to 1974. Well, Dodge probably picked the third iteration of the Barracuda, build in 1970 and 1971, because it’s the most recognizable version. These were the glory days if the Barracuda with the most aggressive design and the most powerful engines. It was also the period right before the 1973 oil crisis kicked in a forced the U.S. government to introduce drastic restrictions for carmakers.

All told, expect it to have that macho, muscle car look, just like the Challenger, but with slightly more aerodynamic lines. And even though many renderings suggest a design similar to the current Challenger, Dodge probably went with a brand-new design language that could inspire other upcoming FCA models, including the Dodge Charger.

Will the 2021 Dodge Barracuda be smaller than the Challenger?

More importantly, the Barracuda will also be a bit smaller than the Challenger. The latter is larger than its competitors, the Ford Mustang and the Chevrolet Camaro, so Dodge is obviously aiming for a similarly-sized vehicle. To put this into perspective, while both the Mustang and the Camaro are 188.3 inches long, the Challenger comes in at 197.7 inches. That's an extra 10 inches that the Barracuda will lose in order to become slightly more compact. On the other hand, the Barracuda could be a bit wider, which will result into a more aggressive stance. Since the car will be shorter overall, the wheelbase will also decrease in length compared to the Challenger. The latter comes in at 116 inches, so the Barracuda’s wheelbase will be somewhere between 105 and 110 inches. The new size will be closer to the Ford Mustang (107.1 inches) and the Chevrolet Camaro (110.7 inches}.

The Barracuda will be quite customizable on the outside. Dodge will offer a range of graphic packages just like it did with the Challenger. Some of them will pay tribute to the original Cuda, so look for full-length stripes that run from the nose, over the top, and to the trunk lid, as well as upper stripes on the rear fenders and probably even two-tone layouts with black roofs. The trim levels will be set apart by different front bumper layouts and hood vents.

Will the 2021 Dodge Barracuda offer a convertible version?

But by far the biggest news is that the Barracuda will most probably spawn a convertible version. The Challenger is the only modern muscle car that doesn't come in drop-top form, which has been frustrating for Mopar fans all this years. It's also a big disadvantage compared to the Ford Mustang and Chevy Camaro, both offered in drop-top configurations. Things will change this time around as Dodge has a brand-new platform to work with; a more modern one that supports a cabriolet layout.

Interior

We've already seen several independent renderings of the Cuda's exterior and we know what kind of approach to expect from Dodge in this department, but the interior remains a mystery. But it's safe to say that FCA won't go wild on this one. We expect the usual standard coupe layout with two comfortable seats in the front and a three-person bench in the rear. The rear compartment won't be as spacious as in a sedan though, as the bench is actually comfortable for only two adults. The coupe layout will also keep rear headroom low. Although the wheelbase will be shorter, I expect the Barracuda to have at least as much rear-seat legroom as the Challenger thanks to better packaging.

Will the 2021 Dodge Barracuda be better than the Challenger?

Tech-wise, look for a big infotainment display in the dashboard. The screen could be at least 10 inches wide since this is the norm nowadays, but expect to find a smaller unit of seven or eight inches in the less expensive trims. Since it will go against the Ford Mustang and the Chevrolet Camaro, expect a similar degree of tech and features, but the Barracuda should boasts more modern functions and apps since it will be the newer car. The affordable trims will come with a small display between the instrument cluster clocks, while the more expensive variants will feature a fully digital cluster.

Also look for slightly more upscale materials compared to the Challenger. You should find softer fabrics and less plastic in the base model and leather and Alcantara in the more expensive trims. Likewise, the metal inserts in the entry-level versions will be replaced by aluminum and maybe even carbon-fiber in the range-topping model. Overall, the Barracuda will be an improvement over the Challenger in just about every department. It will also have one of the most advanced infotainment systems in the Dodge and Chrysler lineups.

Passenger and luggage room will probably be comparable to the competition. And although Barracuda will be a bit smaller than the Challenger, it might offer similar trunk space. The Challenger swallows up to 16.2 cubic feet of luggage in the trunk.

Drivetrain

Since it will replace the Dodge Challenger in FCA's battle against the Ford Mustang and the Chevrolet Camaro, the Barracuda will arrive with several engine options. Word has it that the 3.6-liter V-6 mill from the Challenger will live on in the entry-level model. The Pentastar unit generates 305 horsepower and 268 pound-feet of torque in the Challenger and it could have a similar output in the Barracuda. Why should you expect a power increase? Well, since the Cuda will be a bit smaller and lighter thanks to its new and modern platform, there’s no real need to push horsepower much higher.

Will the 2021 Dodge Barracuda offer a four-cylinder option?

But Dodge could also introduce a turbocharged, four-cylinder engine. Although the Challenger didn't have one, things are changing rather dramatically due to new emission restrictions and FCA has no choice but to follow Ford and Chevy in this department. Expect the four-cylinder Cuda to arrive with around 300 horsepower, but the figure could be much higher in order to place this model between the entry-level V-6 and the V-8. For reference, the Mustang EcoBoost comes with 310 horsepower on tap, while the Camaro four-cylinder cranks out 275 horses.

Dodge's four-cylinder engine for the Barracuda is still a mystery at this point, as FCA doesn’t have four-cylinders that crank out more than 200 horsepower. The 2.4-liter Tigershark in the Jeep Cherokee and Renegade comes close at 184 horsepower, but Dodge will need something notably more powerful. It remains to be seen whether it will be a beefed-up Tigershark or a brand-new engine. One option would be to take the 2.0-liter four-cylinder from the Alfa Romeo Giulia. This engine generates up to 276 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of twist and seems like a good option here. Especially since the Barracuda will ride on the same platform.

Will the 2021 Dodge Barracuda still have V-8 engines?

Of course, the Barracuda will also come with a selection of V-8 engines, most likely borrowed from the Challenger. The Challenger is available with two naturally aspirated mills, a 5.7-liter Hemi and a 6.4-liter Hemi. Assuming Dodge will keep both running for the Barracuda, expect them to deliver similar power. The 5.7-liter V-8 is now rated at 375 horsepower and 410 pound-feet, while the 6.4-liter cranks out 485 horses and 475 pound-feet of twist. Both engines will have revised internals though, so output will vary, but only by a bit.

But the Barracuda will also come with a supercharged V-8 engine, which will power the successor to the Hellcat and eventually the Demon. Dodge will likely keep the 6.2-liter V-8, but some suggest that displacement could increase to 6.4 liters. Either way, this mill will generate around 800 horsepower, some 80 horses more than the outgoing Hellcat and about on par with the Hellcat Redeye and Demon.

Could the 2021 Dodge Barracuda feature a turbo V-6?

But there's another scenario we need to consider. Since the Barracuda will share underpinnings with the Alfa Romeo Giulia, it could also borrow more than the four-cylinder engine. The Italian sedan is also powered by a twin-turbo, 2.9-liter V-6 tuned by Ferrari that generates up to 533 horsepower. And Dodge could use this mill in a Cuda trim placed below the Hellcat. I know, it sounds crazy to have a Barracuda this powerful with a twin-turbo V-6 because it goes against tradition, but times are changing and FCA needs to think out of the box.

Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio specifications

Will the 2021 Dodge Barracuda be quicker than the Challenger?

Expect all trims to shave at least two tenths off their respective Challenger equivalents, as well as a range-topping model that hits 60 mph in less than three seconds. The Barracuda’s top speed is said to be highest of any Challenger built to date. That’s 200 mph for the Demon, so expect the range-topping Barracuda to go beyond that. Some say it will even surpass the Viper’s 203-mph benchmark.

Chassis and Suspension

One of the Challenger's biggest problems is the LX platform, which has been in use with no changes since 2008. That's 12 years already as of 2020. What's more, this platform is actually based on the one used by the W211-generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class, which means that it goes back all the way to 2002. Needless to say, Dodge is finally ditching this old platform in favor of much newer underpinnings used within the FCA group.

Now having access to European platforms from Fiat, Dodge is building the Barracuda around the Giorgio platform, which underpins the Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio. This platform will also be featured in the next-generation Grand Cherokee.

Although many muscle car enthusiasts will see this as a dilution of Dodge muscle car heritage, it's actually good news for the Barracuda. Not only this platform is lighter and more modern than anything else Dodge has to offer right now, but the Giulia is also quite the dynamic sedan. And the Barracuda will borrow all these advantages and put them to good use. What's more, Alfa Romeo already developed higher performance versions of the Giulia, so Dodge has plenty of know-how to work with.

As far as the suspension system goes, details remain in the vault, but we heard rumors that Dodge developed various setups with in-house and third-party specialists. Dodge also replaced the old solid rear axle with an independent rear suspension, just like Ford and Chevrolet did with the Mustang and Camaro during their latest respective updates. Dodge is also planning to offer magnetic damping as an option. Although the company could borrow some elements from the Giulia, it’s more likely that the Barracuda’s suspension is being developed by the SRT team. The range-topping version will feature a more aggressive setup with stiffer springs and a lower ride height.

How much will the 2021 Dodge Barracuda Cost?

Since it replaces the Challenger, the Dodge Barracuda should have a similar sticker. It should also be affordable enough to compete against the Ford Mustang and the Chevrolet Camaro. The entry-level model should retail from around $28,000, while the supercharged variant will come in at around $70,000 before options.

When will the 2021 Dodge Barracuda go into production?

This car has been in the rumor mill for more than a decade now, but it seems that FCA is finally putting it into production. The muscle car is supposed to arrive toward the end of the 2021 model year, which means that production will start in early 2021 or even late 2020. This means that we could see it debut at an important auto show by the end of 2020.

Will the 2021 Dodge Barracuda be better than the Ford Mustang?

The sixth-generation Mustang is by far the most advanced iteration of the nameplate, but it's already six years old as of 2020. This means that the Barracuda will be the most advanced muscle car when it arrives. But the Mustang is nothing to sneeze at either. It still looks fresh, it's as aggressive as sports coupe get, and the technology package is decent given the age. Engine options are equally interesting. While the V-6 was discontinued during the 2017 facelift, you can pick between the 2.3-liter EcoBoost rated at 310 horsepower and 350 pound-feet and the 5.0-liter V-8 with 460 horses and 420 pound-feet of torque. High-performance versions include the GT350 and the GT500. The former features a 5.2-liter V-8 with 526 horsepower and 429 pound-feet while the latter comes with a supercharged 5.2-liter V-8 rated at a whopping 760 horsepower. Pricing for the Mustang starts from $35,630.

Ford Mustang GT specifications

Read our full review of the Ford Mustang.

Will the 2021 Dodge Barracuda be better than the Chevrolet Camaro?

The sixth-generation Chevy Camaro is a bit newer than the Mustang, but it's also five years old as of 2020. So the same thing applies here: the Barracuda will be notably newer and will feature much improved technology and features. But thanks to a facelift operated in 2018, the Camaro looks as fresh as they get and it also boasts a notable differentiation between trim levels. If you don't like the bold front fascia of the SS, you can go with the plain appearance of the four-cylinder and V-6 models. Power options are diverse. The lineup begins with a turbocharged, 2.0-liter four-cylinder rated at 275 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of twist. Then there's the 3.6-liter V-6 that generates 335 horses and 284 pound-feet of torque. The 6.2-liter V-8 in the SS delivers 455 horses and 455 pound-feet. Finally, there's a supercharged, 6.2-liter V-8 that cranks out 650 horsepower and 650 pound-feet in the Z06 model. Pricing for the Camaro starts from $25,000.

Chevrolet Camaro SS specifications

Read our full story on the Chevrolet Camaro.

Conclusion

A rumor for more than a decade, the modern Barracuda is finally turning into a certainty. But the bigger news here is that it will be a significant departure from the Challenger. Built on a modern platform shared with the Giulia, the Barracuda will be what the Challenger couldn't due to its old and heavy underpinnings. Everything is mostly speculation at this point, but definitely expect the Barracuda to be quicker, more powerful, more fuel efficient, and notably lighter than the Challenger.